James L. Thomas

James Loren “Jim” Thomas, 73, Pomona, died peacefully at his home on Friday, January 6, 2012 with his loving family by his side. He was born on Monday, April 18, 1938, in Garnett, Kansas, the son of Wilbur Milton and Ruth Louisa (Alexander) Thomas. He grew up in Garnett along with four brothers. After graduating from Garnett High School in 1956, Jim joined the United States Navy so he could see the world and sail the many waterways of the world. He spent 20 very special years in the Navy. His many deployments took him to many different areas of the world, including England, Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Cuba, Jamaica, Hong Kong, Philippines, and Japan. He retired on September 30, 1975. Upon retirement, he was an Aviation Maintenance Administrationman and had obtained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He served on four Aircraft Carriers throughout his career, the USS Randolph CVA-15, USS Midway CVA-41, USS America CVA-66, and USS Independence CVA-62. He was awarded many U.S. medals and commendations, including four Good Conduct medals, two Armed Forces Expeditionary medals, two Vietnam Campaign medals, four Vietnam Service medals, two Meritorious Unit commendations, one Navy Unit commendation, and one Presidential Unit commendation. He also received a foreign medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He was always happy sailing the seas, he loved the Navy, and he was excited to see his family waiting when he disembarked the carrier when he returned home. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and AARP. He moved often throughout his naval carrier; but after retiring, he chose to move closer to home and was a resident of the Pomona area off and on for many years, he moved back to the area again in 2007, after spending a few years in Winger, Minnesota. He married Patricia “Pat” K. Caleb on March 15, 1958 in Garnett. They enjoyed nearly 54 years together as husband and wife. Survivors include, his loving wife, of the home; his son, James (Kent) Thomas, Pomona; and his daughter, Laura Baker, Pomona; two grandchildren, Amy Eneihen and her fiancé, Jesse Garcia, Ottawa; and Craig House, Topeka; five great grandchildren, Wyatt, Grace, Autumn, Abby, and Hunter, Ottawa. He is also survived by his brothers and their wives; John and (Delaphine) Thomas, Olathe; Harold and (Alice) Thomas, Pittsburg; Gerald and (Pat) Thomas, Wichita; Charles and (Kathy) Thomas, Wichita; four sisters-in-law, Carol Marks and Clio Church, Pomona; Melody and (Jim) Duncan, Topeka; and Sue and (Larry) Burgdorf, St. Louis, MO; and brother-in-law, Steve Parker, Fort Scott and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be dearly missed by his family and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by two children, Pamela and Randal, his parents, his wife’s parents and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. His memorial service and burial will be at the Munsee Indian Cemetery in the Chippewa Hills 11:00am on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. The family suggests memorial contributions to Midland Hospice or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.